Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced that Webb County has received $2.89 million in federal funds from the Department of Homeland Security’s Stonegarden program to support local law enforcement for equipment and over-time pay.  Statewide, Texas received $20 million in law enforcement funding of the $55 Million nationwide.

“These additional funds will help reimburse local law enforcement as they work with the federal government to help provide protection of our southern border. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure that the hard working men and women providing services and protection have the resources and support they need to get the job done. Since 2009, Webb County has received over $21.1 million in Operation Stonegarden funds.  I want to thank the Webb County Sheriff, Martin Cuellar, and the men and women who secure our border communities,” said Congressman Cuellar.

“These $2.893 million will go a long way, as they will allow us to continue our efforts in combating crime and drug trafficking in our area,” said Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar. “It is through programs such as Operation Stonegarden that we are able to provide a stronger sense of security and safety to those whom we serve. On behalf of all the residents in Webb County, I thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for always having our best interest in mind.”

The FY 2015 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) program provides $55,000,000 to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in States bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as States and territories with international water borders.